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Preseason activities are now wrapped up, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to dive into what really counts this season.
Their run over the last three months has been largely positive as they sit at the top of their division with a 10-3 record.
However, most of their success has come against teams who are likely to be absent from playoff discussions, as six of their victories have been secured against clubs with losing records.
The other four wins against teams such as Denver, the Chargers, Washington, and Baltimore are more respectable, yet come with a note that none of those teams currently lead their divisions.
It’s evident that Pittsburgh’s performance has played a role in placing these teams in their current standings.
Things are poised to change this Sunday as the Steelers hit the road to take on the formidable Philadelphia Eagles.
This matchup kicks off an intense 11-day stretch where Pittsburgh will also face the Ravens again and celebrate Christmas Day at Acrisure Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions.
“These games are going to show us our real potential,” stated safety DeShon Elliott.
Interestingly, wide receiver Calvin Austin III needed to be reminded of the challenging games ahead right after the Steelers’ relatively calm 27-14 win against the Browns.
“Who’s our next opponent again?” he asked playfully.
When reminded that they were set to face three teams vying for playoff positions, he laughed, acknowledging the difficulty ahead.
“Coach T calls it a five-star matchup, and we’re definitely in for some exciting performances,” he asserted. “We feel ready after the disciplined win over Cleveland where we capitalized on their mistakes.”
Pittsburgh understands that tougher challenges lie ahead, but the team feels motivated and has positioned itself to achieve something significant.
Despite a successful stretch since early September, they recognize that their legacy will hinge on what happens in the upcoming weeks.
While a little more time for recovery between games would have been ideal, they are prepared to push through the schedule.
“It feels like the league doesn’t favor us at times, but that’s alright,” Elliott said. “We’ll go out there, work hard and aim for a sweep in our next three games.”
On a positive note, quarterback Russell Wilson is making sure every skill player on the team gets involved.
Last week against the Bengals, he connected with ten different players, and against the Browns, it was eight, including veterans Mike Williams and Scotty Miller, both of whom have recently been less involved.
After a remarkable 20-yard catch by Miller, Coach Tomlin praised him, highlighting that the effort he put in was unsurprising given the execution completed to make the play.
Conversely, the development of wide receiver George Pickens has raised concerns.
Despite his undeniable talent, evidence suggests that he is still faced with disciplinary issues attributed to unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness.
While his teammates value his skills, they wonder if he can modify his behavior in time for the playoffs.
In terms of emerging talent, the Steelers appear to have found a promising substitute for long-time defensive lineman Cam Heyward in second-year tackle Keeanu Benton.
Though it may be too early to say he will match Heyward’s legacy, Benton’s recent accomplishments, including his first career interception, which showcased his advanced understanding of the game, signal a bright future.
Also worth noting is the shift in expectations regarding the Steelers’ playoff chances.
What once appeared to be a risky bet on Pittsburgh missing the playoffs—due to their new quarterback situation and a highly competitive division— has changed drastically.
With a current estimation of a 99% chance to make the postseason, their outlook is significantly more optimistic than earlier this summer.
In terms of injuries, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year, exited the game against Cleveland with a groin issue.
On a positive note, Montravius Adams, previously sidelined due to a knee injury, is trending towards returning and could be available for the upcoming game in Philadelphia.
Key statistics to note include the Steelers achieving a stellar plus-28 turnover margin this season, the best in the league.
The immediate challenge for the Steelers will be to secure a victory on the road against the Eagles, which would be a first for them since 1965.
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